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The New Year brought with it a new superintendent of public instruction for the State of California. Tom Torlakson replaces Jack O'Connell who served in the position for nearly a decade. Torlakson faces the monumental task of lobbying the state legislature and Governor Jerry Brown to restore funding to state education that was victim to massive budget cuts. KPBS Education Reporter Ana Tintocalis talked with Superintendent Torlakson about education in this new year.

Maintaining the ability to drive is a sensitive issue for seniors because it contributes to their independence. But there's no getting around the fact that physical and cognitive issues can affect the ability to drive safely. To help keep seniors driving as long as they can, the California Department of Motor vehicles created a senior driver program. We'll hear about resources for senior drivers and what options are available to those who can no longer drive.

Americans view China not just as a competitor, but as an essential part of America's economic future. In past decades, fears of Japan loomed larger, in part because of acquisitions of iconic U.S. companies and real estate.

A Rare Film From Estonia

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to repeal the health-care-reform bill this week. While Democratic leaders in the Senate said they will not consider a repeal, the House's symbolic vote indicates that efforts to change the legislation will continue. We talk about why the Republicans want to change the law.

University of California regents met in San Diego this week to discuss how to close a $1 billion budget gap. UC President Mark Yudof said thousands of qualified applicants will be turned away because of a proposed $500 million budget cut for 2011-2012, and other "unavoidable" expenses. The California State University system is also facing massive budget cuts that could lead to layoffs, and higher tuition. We discuss how the budget cuts could impact California colleges.

Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, who announced this week that he won't seek another term, says he has "never" come to terms with the Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore. In a wide-ranging interview, he discusses Democratic anger with him, his friendship with John McCain and his working relationship with President Obama.

Abortion, the issue so contentious that it almost prevented the health law from passing last year, is back. But this time Republican leaders are raising it on purpose. And if another divisive debate helps further weaken the health law they would like to see repealed, that would be an added bonus.

Now that House Republicans have voted to repeal President Obama's health care law— a largely symbolic act — their real work begins: trying to replace the law with what House Majority Leader Eric Cantor calls a "better alternative." Here's a look at what provisions may be on the table.

In recent weeks, more than 31 million gallons of sewage have spilled across Playas de Tijuana, just south of the border from San Diego. The impact is being felt in both countries. But the damaging delay by Mexican authorities before moving to stop the spill could be an opportunity to improve communication on environmental emergencies.